The journal recognizes that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools may assist authors during the preparation of manuscripts. However, the use of AI must be transparent, responsible, and consistent with the principles of research integrity. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all submitted work.

AI Cannot Be an Author

Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, or similar systems) do not satisfy internationally accepted authorship criteria, including those established by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). AI systems cannot assume responsibility for the content, approve the final manuscript, disclose conflicts of interest, or respond to questions regarding the integrity of the work. Therefore, AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors.

Disclosure of AI Use

Authors must clearly disclose any substantial use of generative AI during the preparation of the manuscript. This includes, but is not limited to:

• drafting or revising text;

• language editing or translation beyond routine grammar correction;

• data analysis or interpretation;

• code generation;

• creation or modification of figures, tables, images, or other visual materials.

The disclosure should specify the AI tool used (including version, where applicable), the purpose of its use, and the sections of the manuscript affected. This information should be included in the Methods, Acknowledgements, or another appropriate section of the manuscript.

Routine spelling, grammar, or formatting assistance does not generally require disclosure.

Author Responsibility

Authors are solely responsible for:

• verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content;

• checking all citations, references, and factual statements;

• ensuring that no fabricated, misleading, or plagiarized material is included;

• complying with copyright, privacy, confidentiality, and research ethics requirements.

The use of AI does not diminish the authors’ responsibility for the scientific content of the manuscript.

Reviewer and Editor Use

To protect the confidentiality of the peer-review process, reviewers and editors must not upload submitted manuscripts, reviewer reports, or other confidential editorial materials to publicly available AI systems or any AI service that may retain, use, or disclose submitted content for model training or other purposes without explicit authorization.

AI tools may only be used for limited administrative or language-support purposes when confidentiality, data protection, and editorial independence are fully preserved.

Editorial Assessment

Disclosure of AI use does not influence editorial decisions. Manuscripts will be evaluated solely on their scientific quality, originality, ethical compliance, and contribution to the field. Failure to disclose significant AI use or misuse of AI may result in editorial action, including rejection, correction, or retraction in accordance with the journal’s publication ethics policies and COPE guidance.